Nigeria and China strengthen ties through pledges on finance, security, and economic growth

Nigeria and China are planning to intensify their cooperation in areas like clean energy, finance and defence. China has pledged support for Nigeria to issue Panda bonds to fund its infrastructure.

The Nigerian Foreign Ministry Yusuf Tuggar, and his Chinese counterpart Wang Yi both outlined their efforts to address the regional security challenges.

Wang visited Nigeria as part a larger four-nation Africa tour, a journey that is seen as an annual effort to advance Beijing's influence on the continent.

His visit to Nigeria comes after recent high-level meetings, including the intergovernmental committee discussions in Beijing in June last year and Nigerian president Bola Tinubu’s state visit in China in September.

Wang said at a press briefing that these meetings culminated in an elevation of bilateral relationships to a "comprehensive strategy partnership".

Wang said China would "favorably study and take into consideration" the request from Nigeria to extend a currency exchange agreement.

Wang stated that China will always vote for Africa at the United Nations Security Council, and it will continue to support Nigeria as they rally countries in the area.

He said: "We will work together with Africa to tackle insecurity and achieve stability over the long term through development." (Writing and Editing by Frances Kerry, Elisha Gbogbo)

(source: Reuters)